The Bruins originally held the 69th overall pick in the third round, but a trade with their archrival Montreal Canadiens saw them move the pick for Montreal’s 79th (3rd round) pick and 108th (4th round) pick that Montreal had previously acquired from the Detroit Red Wings.
The Bruins then used the 79th pick to select 6’1”, 180-pound left wing Cooper Simpson from Minnesota High School hockey, Shakopee.
Simpson’s journey from a standout Minnesota high school scorer to a promising NCAA freshman and NHL Draft pick is a story of raw talent, relentless scoring, and the kind of offensive flair that turns heads at every level. Born on February 5, 2007, in Shakopee, Minnesota, Simpson has quickly become one of the most talked-about American forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft class.
Simpson’s early hockey career began with Shakopee High School, where he quickly established himself as a dominant offensive force. During the 2024–25 season, he lit up the Minnesota high school circuit with an eye-popping 49 goals in just 31 games. His ability to take over games with his shot, speed, and creativity made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a must-watch player for scouts.
His high school dominance earned him a brief but impactful stint with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, where he scored seven goals in just nine games. The transition from high school to junior hockey can be jarring for many players, but Simpson handled it with poise and confidence, maintaining his scoring touch and proving he could produce against older, stronger competition.
The pick was part of a strategic trade-down by the Bruins, who saw value in Simpson’s offensive upside and goal-scoring instincts. He joined a draft class that included other high-profile names like James Hagens, William Moore, and Liam Pettersson, giving Boston fans plenty to be excited about.
Simpson is now committed to the University of North Dakota, one of the premier NCAA programs in the country. The move to college hockey will give him the opportunity to continue developing his game in a structured, competitive environment while also building strength and refining the details that will be crucial at the pro level.
From a scouting perspective, Simpson is a high-ceiling offensive winger with a toolkit built for scoring. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he has the size to compete physically, but it’s his skating and shooting that truly set him apart. He’s an explosive skater with excellent acceleration and edgework, allowing him to create separation in transition and attack defenders with pace. His puck handling is smooth and deceptive, and he’s capable of executing plays in both tight quarters and open ice.
Simpson’s shot is his most dangerous weapon. He possesses a quick, compact release that allows him to beat goaltenders clean from mid-range, and he’s equally effective shooting off the rush or from set plays. His ability to catch and release in stride makes him a constant threat, and he’s shown a knack for finding soft spots in coverage to get open for scoring chances.
In addition to his shooting, Simpson has a diverse deke package and uses shoulder fakes and quick hands to create space around the net. He’s not just a perimeter player—he’ll drive to the interior, battle for position, and finish in traffic. His offensive instincts are sharp, and he’s capable of generating his own chances without relying heavily on linemates.
However, like many young offensive players, Simpson’s game without the puck is still a work in progress. His defensive zone positioning can be inconsistent, and he sometimes cheats for offense, drifting high in coverage or losing track of his assignment. Coaches will want to see more engagement on the backcheck and better awareness in his own end, especially if he hopes to earn trust in key situations at the next level.
Another area for improvement is his shift-to-shift consistency. When he’s involved and driving the play, Simpson is a game-changer. But there are stretches where his impact fades, particularly when he’s not the focal point of the offense. Learning to stay engaged and contribute in different roles—whether as a primary scorer or a complementary piece—will be key to unlocking his full potential.
Despite these areas for growth, Simpson’s upside is undeniable. He has the tools to become a top-nine NHL winger with second-line scoring potential, especially if he continues to develop his off-puck game and physical strength. His early returns in the USHL and his dominant high school numbers suggest a player who thrives when given the opportunity to create and finish.
Looking ahead, Simpson’s time at North Dakota will be critical. The NCAA schedule will test his endurance and consistency, while the coaching staff will help him round out his game. If he can continue to score while improving his defensive awareness and physical play, he could be knocking on the NHL’s door within a few years.
Dom - Hockey 